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Feminism is cool because it means you got the GUTS, COURAGE, POWER, AND CONFIDENCE to fight for what is right on the basis of equality of gender. Feminists are not self-centered women contrary to the popular beliefs that led to many people, especially women, to be afraid to be a feminist. But to those with courage and confidence to stand and fight for what they believe in, cheers for more years ahead of equality! Cheers because you were able to stand up when most are too afraid to step in the spotlight. Cheers, because if it weren’t for you there will still a lot of women that faced discrimination and criticism solely because of contradicting gender roles. Cheers because the battle is long, but feminists can withstand all of it.

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Patriarchal Society in North Korea

Sometimes we wonder, in the case of the most reclusive and secretive country – North Korea, how does their society’s system work?

I am always curious everything about Korea. I wonder how do these people cope with a strong patriarchal country and with very little freedom? How are these people coping with a country wherein every word uttered should be of highest regard to the President? How are these people coping with extreme poverty? There are a lot of questions in my mind that remains unanswered. However, in this context, I will just discuss the patriarchal system of North Korea.

As what I have mentioned above, North Korea is highly patriarchal country. In the past women faced criticisms when males are doing things that females are “supposed” to do.

Additionally, romantic affection between male and female were not really visible in the North Korean family. The primary role of men is to make sure that his wife and a child does not do anything that contradicts the party’s ideology even when they are on the verge of starving to death. If the husband or wife does something against the ideology, it is considered grounds for divorce. That is how important the ideology is. Honestly, I find this insane. I even think it is inhumane. Well, what could we expect? All the rare and unimaginable things happen in North Korea (and there’s more to uncover).

Another fact that surprises me is that the government does not interfere when husbands are violent towards their wives. Females are seen as secondary if not last, priority in the country.

Furthermore, North Korea was pushing and encouraging gender equality before South Korea, but clearly, it was not for the good of women. North Korea campaigned for it to encourage women to go to work to rebuild the economy after the Korean War. However, when things got better, the stopped encouraging women in the workplace. This is absolutely absurd. Women were only considered important when they are needed. And when they are not, the government would just let loose of the campaign. Worse is, these women can’t even campaign for their rights as their lives might end in the instant the moment they decide to protest about gender equality (because protest is equivalent to contradicting the party’s ideology and not conforming to North Korea’s standards). I just hope that North Korean regime will finally open its eyes and treat their people equally.

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Hegemonic Masculinity: Analysis Paper

Hegemonic masculinity stems from the feminist theories back then. But before starting this analysis paper, let us first describe and define “hegemonic masculinity” to further understand the content of the paper. Hegemonic masculinity simply refers to the legitimate dominant position of men in the society and justifies the subordination of women.

The “Hegemonic Masculinity: Rethinking the Concept” was broader and include the gender hierarchy, the geography of masculinities, the processes of social embodiment and the psycho-social dynamics of the varieties of masculinity. Hegemonic Masculinity also explains why men have dominant social roles over women and other gender identities which are considered “feminine” for example, homosexual or men who act feminine. It recognizes the different number of masculinities that differ from time, culture and individual. For example for some people, masculinity not only represents a type of man, but also the position they put themselves into and through their way or practices. Another example is that boys and men choose discursive positions that help them avoid the feeling of powerlessness.

In my perspective, hegemonic masculinity may lead to confusions and further oppression of women. Nowadays, there are still visible spots wherein one can see male domination over women. For example, in a female-dominated occupation like teachers and nurses, male existence in these professions are relatively few. However, when men emerge themselves in these professions, they can actually reap its benefits fully; meaning, it can enhance their career. When as in male-dominated professions, women employed in these kinds of professions are still seen as weak and not suitable for the work most of the time; meaning male dominations are still existent. It is important that men would fully understand what the context of hegemonic masculinity means rather than using it to further press down women just because they think women are subordinate. I also think that it is important that women study hegemonic masculinity as to further understand the variety of factors that contribute to a male being a hegemonic sex so they would know how to counteract or what to do about it because I believe women have the capacity to do whatever men can do. Men and women are all created equal (of course there are visible differences; however we have something that men didn’t have and can’t do and vice versa. That creates the motion of equal men and women), therefore, I don’t want this hegemonic masculinity to continue further as women have already proved their selves to society.

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I just want to share something I found on the internet today. It was beautiful so I decided to share this on my blog: 

ALINE IS BISEXUAL, AND PEOPLE OFTEN SAY THERE’S NO SUCH THING, AND SHE’S REALLY JUST CONFUSED. 

If she’s not “aligned” with these people’s thoughts, it is only because the love Aline feels overflows labels. Your sexual orientation doesn’t require public approval, Aline!

IT WAS A VERY HOT DAY WHEN EDUARDA WORE SHORTS AT SCHOOL. THE TEACHER TOLD HER NEVER TO DRESS LIKE THAT AGAIN BECAUSE THE BOYS GOT DISTRACTED DURING CLASS. 

Eduarda, It’s not your job to make other people behave with decency and respect. You should dress how you feel comfortable!

JANE WAS TOLD THAT SHE WOULD BE REALLY PRETTY IF SHE LOST SOME POUNDS. 

Jane, your beauty, and your self-esteem are not defined by your weight (and it’s likely that those who said that would be prettier if they knew when to shut up.) 

RASHIDA, CRIS AND CLEO PREFER NOT TO TALK ABOUT FEMINISM WITH THEIR FAMILIES BECAUSE THEY’VE BEEN TOLD TO THINK ABOUT “MORE IMPORTANT THINGS” INSTEAD. 

Girls, your fight for a safer and more respectful environment is definitely not a minor subject. Don’t let the haters get you down! 

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I was so inspired by the post that I am not afraid to tell people that I am a feminist and believe what this ideology is fighting for! I am always open to discuss it with other people and clarify any misunderstandings they had heard from the past. I want to clarify all the things that were painstakingly sewed by those people who hate feminism and started to spread the wrong message. I want to boost other women’s self-esteem and confidence. 

Most of us are now aware of the negative effects of depression, and the causes of it. I am more eager than ever to support my fellow women who continuously fight body-shaming and other kinds of bullying that eventually leads to depression--suicide--death. 

I incorporate depression into this context because I have read a lot of stories women suffering from depression because they are being shamed because of body weight and appearance causing them to lose their self-esteem and resort to self-harm instead. I have also read stories of women being forced to keep their gender (being bisexual, homosexual, etc.) to themselves as their family will not accept it. They end up pretending to be someone she is not, thus resulting in concealed depression. There are a lot of stories women and men share online about their struggles regarding issues that revolve around feminism. I want to help those people. I want them to cherish and love their life. At the end of the day, it is how about they fought the battle. I know we all possess a “stronger and braver me” inside us. I know all of us will get through it in God’s guidance. 

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What’s the problem with feminism?

The problem with today’s feminism is the wrong perception of some women of the ideology. There are women who considered themselves “feminist” yet they are infantile and easily triggered at every comment/joke of a man, even if it is just a man having an opinion or even criticizing an opinion. They feel like they are entitled to all the privilege and claiming moral superiority over the whole sex. But this is not feminism is all about, right? Like the picture above, it is all about equality. Adulthood is about being challenged by some uncomfortable situation and ideas, not a safe place wherein one should accommodate the feelings of a few that does not conform with the reality.

I am into feminism, but I know my limitations and I am educated enough to what that feminism is really like. It’s all about equality between men and women. It is not just about “women”. It is also about men. It is having the same privilege of men. It is understanding the situation wherein women seems to be paralyzed in a patriarchal society (believe me, it still happen. It still exist). It is about how women should be free to do whatever she wants in her body, her life and her choices regardless of her social status, age, gender, race, nationality, and religion.

Now, the most important and primary lesson of this is, we should educate ourselves well before fighting for something we hold dear to us. We should immerse ourselves in reading and research about it. We should exhaust all our efforts to know and understand deeply all the information about feminism. At the end of the day, as the saying goes by “an investment in knowledge always pays the best interest”. With knowledge, you will carry the greatest sword to fight for what you believe in.

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I was randomly scrolling through my facebook feed when I suddenly saw this. I love how a lot of people are actually putting an effort on how to empower women and bring women into a positive light. My heart is happy when I saw posts like this. After all, women’s fight for their rights and empowerment are totally worth it!

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FASHION REVOLUTION - Balmain

Balmain (Olivier Rousteing, Creative Director) is introducing women empowerment into its clothing line. The women modeling Balmain’s fashion clothes were quite delighted to be modeling it down the runway. In an interview with Olivier and the models, it is noticeable that the models actually love to be part of it. They said that wearing these garments makes them “very strong confident women, powerful, strong, beautiful and sexy in their own skin”. Olivier stands for diversity and that is why he incorporate women of all ethnicity to all of his fashion shows. Balmain army is not simply a group of models walking down the runway. They introduce women empowerment. These girls are more than models; they are soldiers and warriors similar to Amazons: strong, beautiful and confident women. Balmain Army was created for women that will fight for their rules, identity, and ideas.

I love it how Olivier sees beyond his models, stating that “they are the girls who actually express something that is stronger than the clothes”, “You talk to a woman, and you don’t talk to hangers… You talk to girls who actually have power” and “they are defending more than just the clothes, they are defending my ideas” And I think that is beautiful. Especially precious as people of opposite sex has started to look into a perspective where women need to stand out not as being a mere model or an object in the runway, but something powerful similarly to a soldier – even compared to an Amazon. I love how Olivier wants women to fight for who they are, to be respected for who they are and what they do. I love the idea that he is introducing female empowerment, and that fashion industry needs to join fights and revolution to make a change. I love how Olivier (and Balmain), aside from standing for diversity – he also stands for women.

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“Nobody is superior, nobody is inferior, but nobody is equal either. People are simply unique, incomparable. You are you, I am I.”

I just found this while roaming around Tumblr. I really liked this quote because I feel empowered as a woman. I feel that I can do anything, and not even society can bring these uprising hopes down. It’s true that we are not equal. It’s life. But, we should remember that no matter how we consider “lucky” that person is, we have our own luck! This is just an example when one started to ponder and began comparing herself. A person is unique as an individual. We shall love ourselves, our flaws and everything will fall back into place.

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Filipino Women in Philippine Society

Filipinas are said to be the most empowered and politicized members in Asia. As I observed, this is true because women are quite noticeable in both society and politics. Reasonably, this happened because of their long history of activism. It is being said that Filipinas have gained more grip than their other Asian sisters in advancing their status in society. The role of a Filipino as a wife and mother became a step forward for women to be visible in the society. We can notice that the task of education falls into the mother’s responsibility. Mothers are seen to take their time teaching their child how to read write patiently. Much of the advancement of empowering Filipinas can be attributed to mothers that created a home environment for their children, both male and female, that they are born equal and are being subjected to equal values and behavior. In that way, when the children grow up, a disparity between the roles of male and female in the society will no longer be existent or if not, it would be lessened. Now, I feel proud being a Filipina in this current generation as to when comparing with other countries, I can still say that the Philippines is still a safe ground for women to voice out whatever they want, without violating a law or etc. unlike in other countries.

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Male gaze in media setting

Last meeting, in our Elective subject, our professor has made us watch a music video where male gaze is extremely evident. A pretty woman comes into the picture, the camera then slowly zooms the woman’s body parts, and it is noticeable that the male around her was almost drooling and gazing. They can’t take their eyes off the pretty woman even if they are busy doing something. Actually, this kind of music video still exists nowadays. Some music videos are not as very striking as what that music video portrays, but some music videos still exist with that kind of visual referencing and camera works. Not only in music videos, does this type of camera works is visible, it is also noticeable in dramas, and even in commercials where women are overly being sexualized. My opinion on this issue is that this type of visual referencing should be eradicated if not lessened because it only creates a mindset where female is only used as a sex object. The industry should show how to respect and value woman rather than being portrayed as an object for entertainment. I think in that way, fewer women will be disrespected. But to be honest, with what’s happening in our generation right now (for example, a lot of directors still adoring this kind of women portrayal in their music videos) this will be a far cry from what women want to be portrayed and showed in media.

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Rant

I know I’ve been talking a lot about social norms being dictated to people. It’s because I can see that most of the problems in the society regarding gender issues rooted from the traditional gender roles.

I will talk about how it can negatively impact a person being judged without a decent reason.

Recently, my friend who is a volleyball player rode a jeep on her way to the school in the morning. She wore her jersey shorts and a t-shirt so that she doesn’t have to change in the shower room (she has training that time). Inside the Jeep, a woman, her son, and an older woman were also seated. She heard a particular audible exchange between the two women saying “ano ba yan ikli ikli ng shorts” and “pokpok”. These were from women who are supposed to be mature for their age plus considering the fact that they are in the company of a child who might think that what they did was right and probably imitate them in the future. Actually aside from being judgmental, they are also applying a double standard in dealing with women varsity players. I am sure they won’t act like that around popular volleyball players like Alyssa Valdez, Gretchen Ho, Rachel Daquis Jia Morado and etc and probably these people will regard them with high respect.

My friend was saddened because of what happened. She might become over conscious on what she’ll wear (even if it’s just training attire) because of these people. What’s great is, my friend still regarded them with high respect, because of their age, and simply ignored what they said. But these will embed in her mind forever.

To summarize my point, I think, like what I’ve said in my previous post, we should empower fellow women regardless of the things they deal with (for example, sports) and of their age, status, level of education, gender, social status etc. In that way, women will be confident on everything they do without worrying about people who might judge them.

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Women don't want to be catcalled. Women don't want sly and perverted stares. Women don't want to be harassed on the streets on a daily basis while going to work or school. Women don't want to be approached. Women don't want to be whistled at. Women don't want perverted men after her. Women don't want unequal treatment at her workplace. Women just wanted to feel they are respected. Women just wanted to feel they're equally treated right. Women just wanted to get home safe. Women just wanted to show the world what she can do regardless of what anyone will say against her. That's what women want. I hope that’s what women get. 

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This photo says it all. It is completely sexist.

Women’s responsibilities and gender roles determined by societal norms and beliefs include the women’s capability to cook because according to the traditional belief, women should stay in the house and cook for her husband and children and this led to many women being able to cook well. But this occurred a long time ago because it is somehow different from what it is now.

Now, it is the 21st century and there is a great advance in technology that led to a lot of machines that would mostly do the work for us plus the existence of a lot of various fast food joints. Unfortunately, with the occurrences of this technology and fast food companies, a lot of people don’t know how to cook as they rely on it heavily. For short, some women don’t know how to cook as they are used to either dine in fast food joints a lot of time or they are used to heat food in the microwave.

That being said, we should not always affix the traditional custom of “every woman should cook well” to all the women today. Advances in technology are inevitable. If a woman can’t cook, so what? There are a wide array of various skills and capabilities that a woman can share and express in world and society. Being not able to cook well will not hinder and define a woman’s success.

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Gender stereotypes and gender roles – Family setting

We all know that feminism aims to promote equality for both genders. Whether in the workplace or at home. Now we will be talking about gender roles and stereotypes in the family setting.

What’s beautiful about feminism is that it not only promote the welfare of the women in today’s society but also of man’s. Feminism promotes equality in that there will be no gender roles when it comes to family setting. For example, a lot of people will expect from a woman that she will stay at home, cook food for family and take care of her husband and kids while the man is expected to work and provide for their family. In that sense, feminism aims to blur the lines between what a man and woman’s roles in their family. Also, it aims the freedom of a man and woman to choose their own roles in their life as well as the family. A man that wants to stay at home and take care of their children shouldn’t be looked down and a woman that holds a high position in their workplace should never be criticized on the ground for being busy in the workplace instead of taking care of her children. Situations like these are the reasons why feminists are still fighting for the rights of both genders. Let’s not have a shallow belief on feminism, instead, let’s take a look at the bigger picture on why feminism is still relevant today. 

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Barboys film analysis

In today’s society, a standard norm predetermined according to your gender does not really matter anymore, at least for some. A lot of countries have already accepted other gender aside from being a solely male or female. Gender roles’ traditional definition is different from what it is today.  In connection with the bar boys film the director, Kip Oebanda, was able to portray various personalities in the characters, without being dependent on its supposed gender role.

We can take a look at different gender types and roles in law school and how they deal with it. The 4 main characters are Torran Garcia, who came from a big middle-class family and who is over confident but possessing pictographic memory, Chris Carlson, rich and a very intelligent person whose dad has high expectations from him, Eric Vicencio, a man who is very dedicated to his studies despite their poverty and Josh Zuniga who failed the entrance exam to law school and decided to pursue modelling and acting. Eric Vicencio is portrayed as being feminine and emotional at times. He is also being linked to his gay professor, Sir Cruz. What I like about the character of Sir Cruz is that it breaks the chains that binds on gay people. For example, a lot of people who watched the film expected that Sir Cruz will accede to Eric’s request to pass his midterm grades in return for something that they “would” do. But, Sir Cruz did otherwise and even explained to him that he has a lot of respect to his student and that he couldn’t even touch him. This, people, is the example of the character, a movie should often portray so that everybody will have the knowledge that gay people incorporate dignity and decency too. Another opposing gender role is being portrayed by Atty. Hernandez, a terror professor who appears to be a striking, confident and extremely rational person. These traits are often associated with men and it is rarely being portrayed by a woman in most movies. In comparison with today’s society, if women possess these characteristics, she will be deemed as “aggressive”, instead of just being a rationalized person. In contrast with the character of Ms. Odette Khan, Ana Luna (Chris’ girlfriend) is portrayed as what it is being dictated on its gender role; being clingy, emotional, supportive, very loving and gentle, although these traits are also seen in some of the men characters in this movie.

Overall, I liked the movie as it is because aside from breaking gender roles, it perfectly portrays the life in law school (which apparently will help me decide if I should go to law school after I graduate).  Also, the sequence of the story is not sloppy so the moviegoers will not be confused with which story is which because the movie simultaneously gives exposure the life background of the four main characters. There is a lot of lesson and moral values to be learned too! A movie that needs to watch by everyone!

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Path to Feminism

I believe many women nowadays took feminism to a whole new level. It is where things go wrong and complicate the ideology. That results in a lot of women scared to associate themselves to feminism because often, people look feminists as self-centered, man-hating, and self-entitled women. They also debated that women and men are now equal through legal forms (laws passed against discrimination against women, laws passed to promote equality etc.) and that there is no reason to be a feminist today, because we are all now liberated and the rare to almost non-existence of misogyny.

But what we need to know is that these are not the one being called out by today’s feminists. Yes, there are existing legal forms already and almost everybody is aware of the equality of both sexes. What we need to know is that a lot of people still lack knowledge about what feminism is all about. Most fallacious information about feminism today has become mainstream, thus spreading a false message.

We need to be educated enough so our eyes would open and see the realities of being a woman in today’s society. There is still existing wage discrepancy between men and women. There are still people who victim-blames (in a case of rape) just because of the clothes she opts to wear (why don’t just people teach their sons not to rape instead of shifting the blame to the victim who suffered just enough??). There are still judgmental people who call women “loud” if they stand up for their rights and if they don’t, people will call them weak. There are still people who talk behind a woman’s back when she marries a rich guy (sometimes, people will look at it as gold digging especially if there is a difference between the age gap). There are still people using women as sex objects and when women retaliate they will dismiss it as a joke and shift the blame to women, calling them “no sense of humor”.

These are a just handful of examples women still undergoes today. We need to open our eyes and do something about it. Not all feminists are self-centered. Some are treated right and equal as a person and still be a feminist because she wants to help her fellow women being victimized by society’s dictated social norms.